Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease is one of the most common — and most treatable — threats to your smile. The earlier it's caught, the simpler and more effective treatment can be.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease begins when plaque bacteria irritate and infect the gum tissue around your teeth. Left untreated, it can progress from mild gingivitis to periodontitis — a more serious infection that damages the gums, bone, and ligaments that hold your teeth in place. Because gum disease often develops gradually and with few obvious symptoms early on, regular checkups are the best way to catch it before it advances.
Warning Signs to Watch For
If you notice any of the following, it's worth scheduling an exam:
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Gums that appear red, swollen, or tender
- Gums that are receding, making teeth look longer
- Persistent bad breath that doesn't go away with brushing
- Loose or shifting teeth
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on how advanced the disease is. We start with the least invasive effective option and escalate only if needed.
Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)
For early to moderate gum disease, a deep cleaning removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths tooth roots so gums can reattach and heal.
Antibiotic Therapy
In some cases, targeted antibiotics are used alongside a deep cleaning to help control the bacteria causing infection and inflammation.
Laser Therapy
Laser treatment can be used to remove infected tissue and reduce bacteria with less discomfort and faster healing than traditional methods.
Surgical Treatment
For advanced gum disease, surgical options may be needed to reduce pocket depth, regenerate lost tissue, or restore support around teeth.
Gum Health Is Whole-Body Health
Your gums aren't isolated from the rest of your body — the inflammation associated with gum disease has been linked to broader health concerns. Treating gum disease is about protecting more than just your smile; it's an investment in your overall well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gum disease reversible?
The earliest stage, gingivitis, is often reversible with a professional cleaning and improved home care. Once it progresses to periodontitis, treatment can manage and control the disease, but some effects — like bone or gum loss — generally can't be fully undone. That's why catching it early matters.
Why does gum disease affect my overall health, not just my teeth?
The inflammation and bacteria associated with gum disease don't stay confined to your mouth — research has linked periodontal disease to broader health concerns, which is one more reason to treat it promptly rather than waiting.
Will treatment hurt?
We use local anesthesia for deep cleanings and other procedures as needed, and most patients tolerate treatment well. Some mild soreness afterward is normal and typically resolves within a few days.
How do I know which treatment I need?
Dr. Isaacs will evaluate the extent of your gum disease during an exam — including gum pocket depths and any bone loss — before recommending the least invasive option that will effectively treat your condition.
Concerned About Your Gums?
Schedule an exam and get a personalized treatment plan.